Wednesday's Super Bowl LVIII parade started as a thrilling day of excitement and celebration for the Kansas City Chiefs and their fans. Unfortunately, shots were fired at the end of the rally at Union Station and a shockwave was sent through Chiefs Kingdom and Kansas City alike. Two juveniles have since been charged.
Now a couple of days removed from an afternoon that saw one individual die and upwards of 20 others suffer injuries, everyone is attempting to move forward with positivity. In an effort to support those affected by Wednesday's events, several parties are donating to shooting victims, their families and even first responders.
The Chiefs, the NFL and Taylor Swift — among others — are helping make a serious impact to close out the week.
Chiefs, United Way, NFL and Hunt Family Foundation contribute to 'Kansas City Strong' emergency response fund
In a partnership with the United Way of Greater Kansas City, the Chiefs launched 'Kansas City Strong' as an emergency response fund. This fund is formed, per the Chiefs' announcement, to support "victims and their families, violence prevention and mental health services, and first responders." The Hunt Family Foundation, the Chiefs and the NFL have donated $200,000 to 'KC Strong' to help push that effort ahead.
Chris Rosson, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Kansas City, closed his message on the 'KC Strong' donation site with the following:
We’ve all been affected by this moment—and if you’re compelled to act, we encourage you to turn your outrage into action and contribute to this fund and share it with others. We can assure you that 100% of funds raised will go directly to these causes and organizations, with no administrative fees whatsoever. The true strength of champions is revealed in how they respond in the face of adversity. The only question that remains is – how will we respond, Kansas City?
As of the publishing of this article late on Friday afternoon, right around $400,000 has been raised. That number will surely continue to grow overnight and into next week. On Friday afternoon, the Chiefs announced a 'Kansas City Strong' shirt is now available on Fanatics right now or on Tuesday at the Chiefs Pro Shop. No profits from sales will be retained by the NFL, the Chiefs or Fanatics.
Taylor Swift donates $100,000 to family of Elizabeth Lopez-Galvan
Elizabeth "Lisa" Lopez-Galvan, unfortunately, was the life lost following the shootings on Wednesday afternoon. Her family has subsequently put together a fundraiser on GoFundMe, centered around benefitting the family with financial support in the wake of her passing. Over $300,000 has been raised as of the publishing of this article, which far exceeds the fundraiser's original goal of $75,000. Some assistance from a relatively new Chiefs fan and one of the biggest stars in the world has also made a tremendous impact.
As confirmed to Variety by a rep of hers, superstar singer-songwriter Taylor Swift made a pair of $50,000 donations on Friday morning. Her $100,000 in total contributions makes a huge difference, and Swift accompanied them with a brief message to Lopez-Galvan's family.
"Sending my deepest sympathies and condolences in wake of your devastating loss," Swift wrote. "With love, Taylor Swift."
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes step up heading into the weekend
Last, but certainly not least, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany recently visited with two of the victims of Wednesday's shootings. Pictures of the Mahomes couple with an eight- and 10-year-old in the hospital surfaced on social media on Friday:
Mahomes also posted a tweet on X on Friday to help promote the United Way fund, beginning with a Kansas City-centric message.
"Just like #ChiefsKingdom has always been there for me and my family, we want to be there for them.❤️" Mahomes wrote.
Together, both Patrick and Brittany Mahomes donated $50,000 to the 'KC Strong' emergency response fund. Mahomes's foundation, 15 and the Mahomies, will be a part of that effort as well.
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